Scott McDonald is prepared to suffer in the next few weeks to keep his World Cup dreams alive.
Striker insists that he can cope with round trip to China
Scott McDonald is prepared to suffer in the next few weeks to keep his World Cup dreams alive.
The Celtic striker is due to play in the Hoops' SPL clash with Gretna on Sunday before flying out to join up with his Australian international team-mates for a World Cup qualifier in China.
In addition to two gruelling long-haul flights, McDonald must also acclimatise in preparation for a game at altitude, before retuning to Scotland for a vital Old Firm clash with Rangers.
He admits that, while the situation is far from ideal, he is not prepared to sacrifice his dreams of playing in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Sacrifices
"These are the sacrifices you have to make for your country," he said.
"It's important for me because it's a chance to play in the World Cup. To turn my back on that would be pretty stupid.
"The gaffer has fully backed us as well. He's been great with everyone, he always wants his players to play for their country.
"We're playing somewhere near Tibet but I don't know too much about where I'm going.
"The game's being played above sea level to give the Chinese every chance of beating us.
"With the time difference the kick-off will be Wednesday morning here."
Doctors
Despite the difficulties, McDonald is confident that he will be in peak condition for the crunch clash with title rivals Rangers at Ibrox on 29th March.
"Australia have physios and doctors in a setup which is second to none," he said.
"We have doctors travelling with us on planes making sure we're sleeping at the right times, even giving us asthma pumps because we're playing above sea level.
"I had a lung test before I went away the last time.
"They said for me to cope in these conditions I'd have to take one of the asthma pumps.
"They'll be making sure we're well looked after and we come back in good condition because the last thing they want is clubs complaining about it and not letting us go the next time.
"I'll be back in Glasgow on Thursday.
"Last time I came back from Australia having played on the Wednesday we played Aberdeen on the Sunday and we won 5-1 and I scored a double.
"So it's okay as long as you look after yourself."
